Tank Crashing?

SG... are you adding saltwater as a top off? do a small water change with fresh water, but do it slower. like 1 gal at a time. Is the Refractomoter calibrated?

I've done a couple fresh water changes (1 gallon at a time), and I've got the SG down to 1.028. Zoas are starting to open a little, but not much change in anything else. Fingers crossed.

I think that was probably your biggest problem was the salt was to high, some corals will aclimate to that but it takes time, it is best to keep it down in the "normal" range.

I disagree. The salinity was not the problem, unless it was raised too quickly with an oversaturated salty water change.

FYI, as you lower the salinity the Alk and Ca will drop even further.
Those readings are already too low for what SPS require to thrive. I would quickly add Ca (CaCl dissolved to saturation in RO water) to raise it above 400 and over two days raise the Alk to 12 with Baking Soda solution.

Hair algae can have a toxic effect on coral, especially SPS, as can Cyano. The tank definitely should have more than a "handful" of snails. There should be several handfuls of Astrea, Cerith and Margarita snails. The tank may not have enough flow and if there is no macroalgae, adding that can help keep nusiance algae from growing.

Immediately discard the Chemipure and don't use it again. It most always causes problems. I would not be surprised if within a week you can add snails and they will survive, with no problems. If more algae control help is needed, please call me. I don't get on the MB much anymore.


Edited by Mark Peterson - April 03 2009 at 3:03am